Good Morning

[Jane_Doe2018]

Hello everyone! Wishing you all a good morning. I am feeling better today, but am experiencing new anxiety. I have a doctors appointment tomorrow and I have a hard time driving and waiting in public areas. I had my first panic attack in a car 4 years ago and have recently started having difficulty driving because I fear I will have an attack and be stuck without an escape. After my first panic attack, it took some time to recover before I could confidently drive. Recently, in September, I was diagnosed with bipolar 1 and have had some issues with meds that have increased my anxiety. Since then, it has been difficult for me to drive and go in public places. I feel like the people around me may be witnesses to an episode, and it is terrifying. I have been going to doctors appointments, grocery shopping, etc., but I try to do it as fast as I possibly can because I am so anxious during it. Anyone have any advice or similar experiences? Thank you

[BlueBelle06]

Hi Jane! I had a similar experience with anxiety during driving that was being worsened by one of my medications. The medication was increasing anxiety in general and triggering it. Once it was lowered, I felt better. The doctor did a genetic test on me to see how I metabolized the different drugs as well. I required lower dosages of some medications than are typically prescribed. This can be helpful especially if you are going through a lot of medication trials- been there.

[Jane_Doe2018 in reply to BlueBelle06]

Thank you BlueBelle06!

I will talk with my doctor about that, especially since we are going through different medicines. Thank you for your advice and sharing your experience with me

[BlueBelle06 in reply to Jane_Doe2018]

You're Welcome. Good luck at the doctor

[ge99 in reply to BlueBelle06]

Good advice

[aaronm]

Hi Jane. I'm glad your feeling better. I have anxiety but I've been getting better with a recent medication dose increase. How are you this morning?

[Jane_Doe2018 in reply to aaronm]

Hi aaron, thank you. I'm happy to hear yours is getting better. It's hard sometimes. I am doing okay, a bit nervous because I am about to go to my appointment and I don't do so well in public places, but still remaining positive. How are you?

[aaronm in reply to Jane_Doe2018]

I'm ok. Morning is always better. I start out positive but then triggers happen and I start freaking out. I don't work till 12 so I'm just drinking coffee and watching tv.

[Jane_Doe2018 in reply to aaronm]

Enjoy your coffee and tv

I'm going to be off for a while- appointment, then errands.

I really hope you have a great day, aaron, and I look forward to talking to you later!

[aaronm in reply to Jane_Doe2018]

Good luck!

[Gina_B]

Hoping and praying you find just what you need by way of meds, support, and anything else. I wonder if you could get an emotional support dog who you could take with you on your errands. Dogs are proven to lower our blood pressure, slow breathing, and give us endorphins just by petting them. I can't tell you what a comfort my dog is to me even though he is not certified as an emotional support dog. I still try and take him everywhere I can. There are lots of places and stores that allow dogs, as long as they are well behaved.

[Jane_Doe2018 in reply to Gina_B]

Thank you so much, Gina. I try to take mine everywhere I can and get away with it most times. The most consistent place I take her to is Lowes. Even if I need handsoap,I go to Lowes and I take her. I have actually switched where I go to get certain things based on if pets are allowed. She's a small chihuahua terrier mix, 6 years old, and trained well. She really helps me and is a great companion! She will sit in the recliner with me while I pet her and I definitely feel calm during those times. Thank you again and I hope you have a great day

[Gina_B in reply to Jane_Doe2018]

Other dog friendly stores...Bed Bath & Beyond, Ross, Marshalls, Loft, Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack. Sometimes I will just browse because it's good training for him to be in the store. People will come up and want to pet him. I don't like talking to strangers but with him there it's always an ice breaker and talking about him rather than me feels safer. So it's good for many reasons.

[Jane_Doe2018 in reply to Gina_B]

Oh wow, I had no idea about those stores- thank you!

I completely understand and agree about having your dog as an icebreaker, it does feel safer that way. I plan to try out these stores in the upcoming days